The boy is under treatment at a private hospital. Jayalalithaa said in a statement that she had ordered the release of the money from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, taking into consideration the poor economic condition of the boy's family.

Jayalalithaa also said that medical expenses incurred in treating the boy would be borne by the government.

The boy was picked up by police following a theft in a temple on January 6 and detained in a police station.

According to an officer, Inspector R Pushparaj threatened the boy with his revolver, and the weapon went off. Pushparaj has been suspended.